Communications Officer Job at Pact
Pact is an International non-governmental organization, which enables systematic solutions that allows those who are poor and marginalized to earn a dignified living, be healthy and take part in the benefits that nature provides.
Pact accomplishes this by strengthening local capacity, forging effective governance systems and transforming markets into a force for development.
Pact accomplishes this by strengthening local capacity, forging effective governance systems and transforming markets into a force for development.
Our three core values are:
Local Solutions – Our success comes from solutions created with the people we serve.
Partnerships – Partnerships deepen our impact and promote empowerment.
Results – Our work must transform lives and make them measurably better.
How that change occurs is as important as the change itself. Pact envisions a world where those who are poor and marginalized exercise their voice, build their own solutions, and take ownership over their future.
We are seeking qualified candidates to support Pact’s institutional strengthening initiatives in Kenya in the following position:
Division: KCSSP Program
Supervised By: Deputy Chief of Party
Supervises: None
Duty Station: Nairobi, with frequent travel within Kenya
I. Purpose of the function
The Communications officer will be responsible for managing all communication related work for KCSSP.
She/he will be responsible for managing the day-to-day communication needs/demands for the programs and partners within the Kenya office as well as be responsible of developing concepts of all communication materials and ensuring that they adhere to the set standards and regulations.
The communications officer shall support program staff in documenting and dissemination of published work in all possible formats that will ensure a wider coverage of all the targeted audiences.
In addition the communications officer shall be expected to be innovative and creative in dispensation if his/her duties while keeping abreast with the latest communication technologies, methodologies and approaches.
Specific Duties and responsibilities
- Manage the production of all communication materials both print and electronic including set up of required templates and systems, and work with program staff to implement the same
- Ensure all communications and project materials are branded in accordance with the donor and Pact regulation and guidelines;
- Monitor and evaluate program partner branding of projects and activities to ensure that it is done in accordance to the donor and Pact guidelines
- Refine content for quarterly reports, technical briefs, and other documents prior to dissemination;
- Work closely with other program team members to develop communications products such as technical papers, training manuals, program research papers etc. that support the implementation of their components;
- Package information and success stories in a professional high quality standards for dissemination to all key stakeholders (Donors, CSO partners, general public, government);
- Work closely with the program officers to establish systems to disseminate regular project successes and information through Pact and USAID’s website, intranet and other publications;
- Handle media inquiries and preparing press briefing kit
- Regularly act as program photographer at program events and during site visits
- Work closely with the Outreach coordinator in monitoring domestic media for coverage of program partners and share with project team;
- Monitor effectiveness of communications materials and information shared among partners and other CSOs;
- Train field team and other staff regarding the importance of communications and how to integrate communications into their work
- Mentor the program partners on matters relating to communication
- Integrate communications activities into program annual work plans; and create communication synergy across programs within the country office and Pact globally
- Work closely with the procurement department in coordinating procurement of communication services such as publishing, video documentary etc. and ensure the deliverables are of high standard as per the set guidelines.
- Coordinate all media placement activities and advertisements
- Lead in preparation of materials for in-house use, workshops and other networking activities
- Manage and maintain a photo library and program archives. This will include classifying all incoming photos captioning and filing them appropriately
- Participate in capacity building trainings conducted by the programs for the implementing partners
- Manage the implementation of the SAFE Coast media strategy
- Work closely with the KCSSP Deputy chief of party (DCOP) to implement a strategy for communications and action plan to be updated annually
- Other duties as assigned by the DCOP.
Location: Based in Nairobi and serve/support all partners on a need basis.
Level of Effort and Allocation:
The position is full time for a period of 3 to 8 months. 100% of the incumbent’s time will be used to provide support on the above-mentioned programs.
Prioritization of work will be done based on urgency.
Qualifications:
- At least a degree in Communications and Media related field, or equivalent work experience in communications and media related field, with a diploma in graphics and communications.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience working for Non-governmental organizations in a similar position
- Understanding and knowledge of desktop publishing software (Adobe CS5), as well video documentary production and processes highly desired
- Ability to work minimal supervision, take initiative and manage a variety of activities concurrently. Proven ability to multi-task is essential.
- A strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a high profile, fast-paced environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively.
- Fluency in English and Kiswahili for day-to-day communications and excellent English writing and presentation skills. Knowledge of additional languages useful.
- Demonstrated skills in working with multinational groups and fostering collaborative relationships across multiple organizations
- Desired; highly creative, innovative and self driven individual
- Ability to work under pressure of work and yet deliver effectively
- Desired; ability to develop advocacy campaign messages and translation of the same (English/Kiswahili)
- Understanding of the current political context and advocacy efforts by CSOs in Kenya particularly in the regions where Pact works is highly desired
- Desired; knowledge of the various outputs/requirements by print and broadcast media houses
Contractual Period: The contract term will be for a period of 8 months, starting November 2012.
How to Apply
Qualified and interested candidates are requested to forward their cover letter and curriculum vitae with three work related and traceable references to the Human Resources Manager, kenyahr@pactworld.org.
Please state Communications Officer in the subject field by 14th November 2012.
Note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
